Arizona Film Photographer

Eunice Beck

An Arizona film photographer's wedding guide including the best wedding venues in Arizona.

Eunice Beck is a documentary and film photographer specializing in weddings in Arizona, California, and destinations worldwide.

As someone who grew up in the desert, and loves hot weather and southwestern architecture, I have a real soft spot for this state.

It’s easy to see why Arizona is becoming a popular spot for weddings —with year-round sunny weather, incredible landscapes, and rich culture, this is the perfect place to host you (and your guests) for the perfect wedding getaway.

With over 100 weddings under my belt, I am well prepared to help you plan the desert wedding of your dreams — one that prioritizes the love you have for your partner, and all of the memories and feelings you want to experience on your one and only day.

Below, you’ll find all of my best wedding recommendations for Arizona. I hope you find something that inspires you.

An Arizona film photographer's wedding guide including the best wedding venues in Arizona.
An Arizona film photographer's wedding guide including the best wedding venues in Arizona.
An Arizona film photographer's wedding guide including the best wedding venues in Arizona.

A list of my personal favorite wedding venues in Arizona — from adobe inns to desert retreats to luxury hotels. No matter what kind of wedding or elopement you’re planning, I hope you find something you love on this list.

The Best Wedding Venues in Arizona

An Arizona film photographer's wedding guide including the best wedding venues in Arizona.

The JTH Tucson

If you’re looking for a classic southwestern adobe with a modern touch, I would recommend the JTH Tucson. This once abandoned inn from the 1980s has since been renovated into a true desert oasis, right in the heart of Saguaro National Park.

Now owned by the incredible design duo of the Joshua Tree House, the inn now feels like a true retreat — with 7 unique suites, an on-site yoga room, hot springs, and hiking trails that start right from the property, the inn is the perfect venue for those looking for a relaxed, intimate wedding experience with their closest family and friends.

An Arizona film photographer's wedding guide including the best wedding venues in Arizona.

Arcosanti

For those who appreciate funky, sustainable architecture and high desert landscapes, I would recommend Arcosanti. Built in the 1970s by the iconic Paolo Soleri, this micro-city was created as an experiment with the goal of bringing nature closer to people; and is now available to host the wedding of your dreams.

With a multitude of available spaces — including an amphitheater, outdoor vaults, and a sun-soaked café — this venue can really be catered to your fit your vision and needs.

Arcosanti also comes with 8 guest rooms for those wanting on-site accommodation, as well as a pool, and hiking trails that start right on the property. For those wanting a unique space to throw a big party in the middle of nowhere, this is the spot.

An Arizona film photographer's wedding guide including the best wedding venues in Arizona.

Amangiri

For lovers of minimalist architecture and grand desert views, I would recommend Amangiri, a boutique hotel nestled on the outskirts of Lake Powell. The hotel’s simple design against the white-washed rocks of the Page desert makes for a real architectural marvel, and it’s the perfect venue for those who want a luxury experience.

With 34 guest rooms, a southwestern restaurant, and a location in the center of some of the best outdoor experiences Arizona has to offer, this is the ultimate place for those that want an all-in-one experience. This is perfect for those looking for a multi-day wedding — with an outdoor pool, an in-house spa, and a range of guided activities (like hikes, trail rides, or yoga!), you and your guests can get all of the best experiences without ever having to leave the hotel.

For those looking for a true luxury experience, there is no better place than Arcosanti.

An Arizona film photographer's wedding guide including the best wedding venues in Arizona.

Sonoita

For those that want to elope out in nature, but want something a little different from the classic desert landscape, I would recommend going to Sonoita. With acres of open fields and mountain views on every side, this is the perfect spot for anyone wanting a bit of adventure in a cinematic space.

Picture it: start your day getting ready at the Sonoita Inn (a little kitschy, but kind of cool?) before driving out to the desert to say your vows in a big field. If you want to add in some wedding day adventures, you can go horseback riding at Circle Z or take a boat ride on Patagonia Lake. End your day with a celebratory drink at one of Sonoita’s award-winning wineries like Los Milics or Callaghan Vineyards, and cap the night with a meal at The Steak Out.

For those who want stunning landscapes, good wine, and a little bit of adventure, Sonoita is the perfect place.

An Arizona film photographer's wedding guide including the best wedding venues in Arizona.

Sottise

For those that want the feel of a backyard wedding but don’t want to use your own backyard, I would recommend Sottise. On most days, you’ll recognize her as one of the best French restaurants in Phoenix; but on occasion, she’s also available for weddings.

With a space that can accommodate up to 100 guests, this historic home-turned-restaurant is one of the most charming and unique spaces to host your big day. Think a ceremony on the porch, cocktails in the house, and a reception in the yard — it’s like the comfort of being at home, but you’re not left with the post-party cleanup. Since it’s primarily a restaurant, you’ll also be able to spoil you and your guests with some of the best food in Phoenix.

For my foodies who are looking for something more laid-back, Sottise is a great option for you.

  • For those getting married in the valley (Phoenix and Tucson), I would recommend anywhere between late October - November or late February - April. This is when you’ll get those perfect warm temperatures without being too hot or too cold.

    For those getting married in Northern Arizona, I would recommend anywhere between late September - November or mid April - May. Temperatures tend to be lower in the high desert, so if you’re looking to get married towards the middle of the year, you’ll have the best luck here.

  • For 35mm, I will typically shoot with a Canon 1V and a Contax G2. On slower days, I might also bring out my trusty Canon A1!

    For 120, I will typically shoot with a Pentax 645 as well as a Holga 120N!

  • Wedding photography packages for Arizona are available starting at $6,800. Please inquire here for more info!

Additional Information:

Ready to take the next step?

Tell me what your dream wedding day / week looks like. Whether you’re throwing a bigger party at a desert retreat with all 100 of your family members or getting hitched in a field with your ten closest people, I’d love to be a part of it.

An Arizona film photographer's wedding guide including the best wedding venues in Arizona.

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